Tiburon Benavides has been elected Grand Marshal and Isabele Lieber has been elected President of the Union.

In the wake of Monday’s primary elections, the Elections Commission received a challenge to the results. The challenge pertained primarily to the “Donuts with Candidates” event held the day of the primary. Two other concerns were brought to the EC’s attention regarding the date of the primary and the lack of a sample ballot. The EC concluded that the concerns were valid but that there was insufficient evidence to suspend the election result.

The Polytechnic Editorial Board endorses Tiburon Benavides ’21, ’27G for Grand Marshal. Benavides aims to advocate for an increasingly ignored graduate student population. He also aims to improve communication between student government and the student body by lowering the barrier for student involvement, increasing the trust that students have in Public Safety and the Good Samaritan policy, and upgrading the student government IT infrastructure.

The Polytechnic Editorial Board has chosen to not endorse a candidate for President of the Union this year.

President Schmidt hosted his sixth town meeting at EMPAC on Friday where he discussed the situation in Washington, D.C. and the Institute’s goals regarding the finances and enrollment.

GM candidates Tiburon Benavides '21, '27G and Vicky Guo '26 advance to the final election along with PU candidates Isabele Lieber '25, '26G and Toby McDonald '26. Also, McDonald was sanctioned for improperly gathering signatures.

The primary debates for both the Grand Marshal and President of the Union candidates happened on Friday in preparation for voting on Monday. Candidates got a chance to give their insight into pressing issues facing the student body and how they would address them.

Three candidates are running for GM and four candidates are running for PU, requiring a primary election for both positions. A virtual primary election will be held on March 17 with the two candidates for both positions that receive the most votes in their respective primary election facing off in the general election on March 20.

The Black Students’ Alliance Fashion Show, in conjunction with EMPAC Research and DJ group PULSE, showcased pieces from a variety of designers with an emphasis on sustainability.

Last Tuesday, President Schmidt sent out an email to the Rensselaer community in response to a petition by RPI’s chapter of the YDSA demanding the Institute be declared a sanctuary campus. Schmidt agreed to some of the demands, but YDSA says the president didn’t go far enough.

A motion to strip Greek life office space from the Student Government Suite passed after a lengthy debate. The Director of the Union presented an update on the Union’s first floor renovation plans.

Rensselaer’s track and field, swim and dive, basketball, and hockey teams all competed over this weekend.

The Engineers showed up to play at the Houston Field House last Saturday, scoring four unanswered goals in the game for a 5-2 victory over Yale.

On Monday, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget issued a complete freeze on all federal aid. The freeze would have gone into effect on Tuesday at 5 pm; however, a federal judge stayed the order until February 3.

Both Mayor’s Cup matchups went to the Garnet Chargers last Saturday in Albany, with a 3-2 loss for both the mens’ and womens’ teams.

Sports Editor Riley Sobel ’27 liked the first episode of Severance’s second season, more or less.

Rensselaer’s basketball, hockey, track and field, and swim and dive teams all competed over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.

Rensselaer’s basketball, hockey, and track and field teams all competed over the first weekend of the semester.

Important Rensselaer and Troy officials bury a time capsule to be opened at RPI’s tricentennial in 2124.

Editorial/Opinion Editor John Molloy ’26 reviews the final Juice WRLD album, The Party Never Ends.

In a press release, the Student Senate addresses recent communications to members of the Senate about significant safety concerns on campus.

HackRPI’s 2024 Hackathon was a success with over 450 hackers working on projects with the theme of “Urban Upgrades.”

Vice Provost for the Student Experience Robert Hradsky sat down with The Poly to discuss the drop deadline, Arch, the testing center, and more.

At approximately 8 pm Monday, a red car allegedly stolen drove recklessly through 15th Street, hitting parked cars in front of the Rensselaer Union.

President Schmidt hosted his fifth town meeting where he discussed RPI’s bicentennial, enrollment, the state of higher education and more.

The Class of 2028 has elected its representatives. Alondra Correa Valderrain ’28 was elected class president and Lauren Antao ’28 was elected as class vice president.

Once the pivotal decision to renovate Rathskeller this past summer, Thunder Mountain Curry has sparked up a new era full of opportunity, excitement, and good food. Owner Mike Gordon gives updates on Thunder Mountain Curry’s journey thus far and plans for the future.

Associate News Editor Meher Randeria ’28 presents an opinion on why having choice is an amazing thing.

The intense two-game weekend featured a third period heartbreaker on Friday and a 2-0 comeback on Saturday for the Engineers. Saturday’s game broke the team’s record for their single most attended game at 1,553 fans.

Canadian composer Sarah Davachi performed a solo concert of Constants, a track from her novel album The Head As Form’d in the Crier’s Choir at EMPAC this past Wednesday.

The 117th Transit Trophy was carried off by Rensselaer in a blowout against WPI.

As part of Rensselaer’s Bicentennial Celebration, a two-day carnival was held on Anderson Field, featuring showcases, games, and a Ferris Wheel.

News Editor Alexander Orr ’25 contemplates the benefits of giving more than receiving.

RPI’s aggressive offense led them to a 3-0 win over the University of Mount Saint Vincent, with goals scored by forwards Izzy Gelzhiser and Camilla Dominguez and midfielder Brooke Miller.

In a press release, the Elections Commission announces the conclusion of its investigation into a former Grand Marshal concerning his public endorsement and attempted interference in the GM Week 2024 election.

No. 1 Rensselaer split their doubleheader against No. 2 Rochester this Saturday, winning 6-4 before losing 4-2. They still hold the top spot in the Liberty League.

RPI Players’ performed the musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at the Schacht Fine Arts Center at Russell Sage College from April 5-13th.

The 55th Student Senate meets for the first time under Grand Marshal Vivian Rost-Nasshan '26. The Elections Commission reveals an ongoing investigation.

Former Grand Marshal Ben Viner ’24 expresses his thoughts on the Student Senate and their work throughout his term.

The Executive Board gave a formal denouncement to the actions of the Union’s administrative staff regarding the unconstitutional hiring of Cait Bennett as an administrative specialist. Society of Plastics Engineers approved for club affiliation, RPI Club Field Hockey achieves Union recognition, and the Director of the Union Dr. Charlie Potts presents the Union’s upcoming construction and renovation projects to the Executive Board. Additionally, the E-Board approves the hiring of William Weinert for the position of Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs.

As a result of the recent historic tie for Grand Marshal, candidates Ria Massoni ’24, ’25G and Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 took the stage again for a second debate. The questioning built upon statements made in the previous debate and included more candidate-specific questions. The debate was moderated once again by Elections Commission Chairperson Timothy Miles ’24.

The Engineers won against the Brewers of Vassar College in an 18-10 game.

Catherine Philipps ’24, ’25G has been elected President of the Union. Paul Khoury ’26 has elected as Undergraduate President. A runoff election between Ria Massoni ’24, ’25G and Vivian Rost-Nasshan ’26 will be held to elect the Grand Marshal.

Five candidates took the stage for the Grand Marshal Week debate moderated by Elections Committee Chairperson Timothy Miles ’24. The debate offered one last chance for the candidates to present themselves to the student body and share their opinions on various topics and issues.

Black Student Association held their annual art show, where they had several of their member’s artwork on display for guests to spectate.

An interview with President Schmidt on his goals for the year, RPI at 200, campus safety, mental health, the Arch and more.